Recently unsealed documents related to Blake Lively’s proposed contract for ‘It Ends With Us‘ offer an unprecedented look into the financial incentives, lavish amenities, and legal stipulations of a major Hollywood production, all revealed amidst her ongoing sexual harassment lawsuit against co-star Justin Baldoni.
The highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel ‘It Ends With Us‘ has become a focal point not just for its story, but for the dramatic legal proceedings surrounding its stars. Recently, a draft of Blake Lively’s proposed contract for her role as Lily Bloom was unsealed, shedding light on the intricate financial and logistical arrangements common in high-stakes Hollywood productions, all against the backdrop of an intense legal battle with her co-star and director, Justin Baldoni.
This revelation offers fans and industry observers alike a rare, detailed look into the terms often negotiated by A-list talent, from multi-million dollar salaries to incentive-based bonuses for critical acclaim and box office success. What makes these documents particularly compelling is their emergence as part of an ongoing lawsuit, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to what would typically remain confidential industry dealings.
Unveiling the Contract: A Glimpse into Hollywood Deals
The unsealed contract draft, filed in the Southern District of New York, outlines a comprehensive compensation package for Lively’s performance. A key revelation was a proposed salary of over $1.7 million for her role. Beyond the upfront payment, the contract stipulated that Lively would also receive 10% of the film’s gross proceeds, creating a significant stake in the 2024 film’s overall financial success, as reported by Page Six.
The incentives didn’t stop at salary and gross proceeds; the contract detailed substantial bonuses tied to both critical acclaim and box office performance. For major awards, Lively was slated to receive a six-figure bonus plan:
- An Academy Award nomination would yield $100,000, with a win increasing it to $200,000 (capped at $200,000 total).
- A Golden Globe nomination was worth $75,000, escalating to $100,000 for a win.
- For a SAG Award, a nomination would bring $50,000, and a win $75,000.
These figures underscore the value placed on an actor’s potential to elevate a film’s prestige and marketability through awards recognition. The contract also included a $250,000 bonus each time the movie hit major box office milestones, specifically from three to five times its production cost.
Lavish Perks and On-Set Amenities
Beyond the impressive financial figures, Lively’s proposed contract detailed a suite of luxurious on-set amenities and personal accommodations, highlighting the extensive support provided to top-tier talent. These perks were designed to ensure comfort and convenience throughout the demanding filming schedule:
- Assistant Fees: A stipend of $1,500 for assistant fees.
- Personal Driver: Exclusive access to a personal driver.
- Pop-Out Trailer: Exclusive use of a pop-out trailer equipped with customary amenities.
- Training and Meals: A $1,000-per-week stipend for training and meals during filming in the greater New York City and New Jersey area.
For filming days in Las Vegas, the proposed contract even included an option for Lively, who shares four children with husband Ryan Reynolds, to have her two nannies, her assistant, and security team flown by private jet, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of these high-level agreements.
The Controversial Arbitration Clause
Perhaps one of the most critical aspects of the unsealed contract, especially in light of current events, was an addendum stipulating that Lively and the film’s producers would be prohibited from pursuing matters related to the film in open court. Instead, any issues arising would be resolved through confidential arbitration in Los Angeles. This clause is a common feature in many Hollywood contracts, designed to keep disputes private and out of the public eye.
The Legal Battle: A Contract Unsealed Amidst Allegations
The unsealing of this contract comes amid an intense legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director in ‘It Ends With Us‘. Lively filed a lawsuit in December 2024 against Baldoni, his Wayfarer Studios colleagues who produced the film, and his publicist and crisis PR team. In her suit, Lively alleged that she experienced sexual harassment at the hands of Baldoni and became the victim of a retaliatory online smear campaign after she spoke up about the alleged incidents. Baldoni has vehemently denied these allegations, and a judge previously dismissed his defamation counterclaim against Lively, as detailed by People.
Crucially, Blake Lively ultimately did not sign the proposed contract. This fact is highly significant as the arbitration clause, designed to keep legal matters private, would have bound her had she signed. Her decision not to sign allowed her to pursue her lawsuit in open court, making these contract details public.
The trial is currently scheduled to begin in March 2026, promising further developments in this high-profile case. The unsealed contract serves as compelling documentation, offering a glimpse into the financial and operational framework of a major film production, now inextricably linked to a contentious legal dispute that has captivated the public and the film industry alike.
